Don't miss out: Ikon Pass sales end Dec. 11
Editor's Note
Ski season is officially underway, and if you've been debating getting an Ikon Pass for this winter, the clock is ticking. With Dec. 11 being the final day to purchase the pass, you only have a couple of days left to lock in access to dozens of top mountains this season.
This year's pass lineup is also stronger than ever, thanks to the addition of several new European and Asian resorts that give skiers and snowboarders more mountains than ever to explore. Whether you’re planning just a couple of trips or chasing powder all season long, the Ikon Pass has an option to fit your ski style.
Here’s a closer look at what’s included and how to choose the right Ikon Pass before the window closes Dec. 11.
Ikon Pass basics
The Ikon Pass network is now made up of more than 60 ski resorts around the globe. Some of them provide unlimited skiing, while others have a capped number of days based on the exact type of Ikon Pass you purchase.
Eligible resorts can vary by pass level. These resorts include both bigger and smaller names, such as Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat Ski Resort, Copper Mountain, Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Deer Valley Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Mont Tremblant, Taos Ski Valley, Big Sky Resort, Sugarloaf and Stratton Mountain Resort in the U.S., Canada and beyond.
You can find the full list of resorts on the Ikon Pass website.
There is a less expensive Ikon Base Pass with some restrictions, the full Ikon Pass and a two-, three- or four-day Session Pass.
Related: How your kids can ski for free this winter
2025-2026 Ikon Pass prices
For the 2025-2026 ski season, the full Ikon Pass prices are:
- Adults: $1,519
- Skiers ages 13 to 22: $1,179
- College students/nurses/members of the military: $1,179
- Kids ages 5 to 12: $449
- Kids ages 4 and younger: $149 (though keep in mind that many mountains offer free skiing for kids up to 4 or 5 years old)
This pass has no blackout dates and offers unlimited skiing at 18 destinations and up to seven days at 53 additional mountains.
For the 2025-2026 ski season, the Ikon Base Pass prices are:
- Adults: $1,099
- Skiers ages 13 to 22: $819
- College students/nurses/members of the military: $819
- Kids ages 5 to 12: $379
- Kids ages 4 and younger: $99 (though many mountains offer free skiing for kids up to 4 or 5 years old)
The Base Pass has a few peak blackout dates, unlimited skiing at 14 destinations and up to five days at 51 additional mountains.
Blackout dates include Dec. 27-31, 2025; Jan. 17-18, 2026; and Feb. 14-15, 2026. Southern Hemisphere blackout dates include July 4-19, 2026.
Related: The right — and wrong — age for kids to start skiing
For the 2025-2026 ski season, the Ikon Session Pass pricing is:
- Adults: $569 for four days, $479 for three days and $349 for two days
- Skiers ages 13 to 22: $459 for four days, $389 for three days and $289 for two days
- College students/nurses/members of the military: $459 for four days, $389 for three days and $289 for two days
- Kids ages 0 to 12: $349 for four days, $289 for three days and $229 for two days (though many mountains offer free skiing for kids up to 4 or 5 years old)
This pass gives you up to four days of skiing at 44 destinations, although blackout dates apply at all resorts. For an adult, this means $143 to $175 per day, which may or may not be a good deal, depending on where you’re looking to ski.
For example, at Steamboat, a peak-date, one-day walk-up lift ticket could easily cost over $300, and a 4 Out of 5 Days ticket could cost as much as $1,356. This makes the pass well worth it. But if you're an East Coast skier, you might not find it as useful a deal.
New for the 2025-2026 season
If you had the Ikon Pass last year, there are a few enhancements for this winter, along with the loss and addition of a few resorts.
Those in New York state will be sad to hear that Windham Mountain Club is no longer part of any Ikon Pass product for this upcoming season.
Those looking to ski in Europe will now have access to Ischgl in Austria, offering 1,237 acres of skiable terrain. This resort also typically has a longer season than most, with snow from November to May. There's the addition of Valle d’Aosta in Italy, which encompasses five different mountains, and Megeve Ski Resort in the French Alps as well.
Or, if your travels are taking you to Asia, nine different ski resorts have been added to the pass throughout Japan, China and South Korea.
In the Northeast and Midwest, Ikon has partnered with four more resorts, and as part of its "bonus mountain" benefits, Ikon Pass holders will receive two free (nonblackout) days at the following resorts (note that access is not available to those with the Ikon Base Pass):
- Wild Mountain in Minnesota
- Buck Hill in Minnesota
- Cranmore Mountain Resort in New Hampshire
- Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Massachusetts
There are a few access changes as well. Arapahoe Basin now offers unlimited access with the Ikon Pass, which is great for those who live in or around Colorado. And Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico is now part of the Ikon Base Pass.
There are also many money-saving discounts from Ikon Pass partners, such as Gravity Haus, Whitespace, 4Frnt Skis & Gear and Sixt.
Additionally, reservations will still be required at select resorts for the 2025-2026 season.
Related: The best ski resorts in the US for your next trip to the slopes
Assurance plan
Making an expensive purchase and not knowing what the next season will bring can be scary.
Fortunately, Ikon still offers its “Confidence to Buy” plan for the 2025-2026 season. This is automatically included in the price of your lift ticket. It allows any passholder to receive a credit for the price paid to apply to the following year’s (in this case, the 2026-2027) ski season for any reason, no questions asked.
Although this date is creeping up, you still have until Dec. 11 to select this option. Note: If you already purchased your pass in the spring and used it during the spring ski season, you won’t be able to qualify for the credit.
Use a payment plan
Ski passes are a big investment. Fortunately, there’s a payment plan option for the Ikon Pass if you want to lock in the current price and spread out payments.
You’ll put $0 down and then have the option to split the payment over three, six or 12 months — just pay attention to the annual percentage rate. During checkout, you can see your options and the cost depending on the plan you select.
If you’re paying it off in one chunk, check out the best credit cards to use for ski pass purchases. Ski tickets don’t always code under one particular bonus category, so a card that awards bonus points on everyday purchases can be your best bet.
Points-friendly properties at Ikon Pass resorts
While you’re mapping out your 2025-2026 ski passes and resorts, you might as well factor in hotels.
Marriott properties seem to align most frequently with the Ikon Pass, and Hyatt properties often align well with the Epic Pass. There are exceptions, though.
A few points-friendly properties to consider if you pick up the Ikon Pass are:
- The St. Regis Deer Valley (Marriott Bonvoy)
- Grand Hyatt Deer Valley (World of Hyatt)
- Viewline Resort Snowmass, Autograph Collection (Marriott Bonvoy)
- The St. Regis Aspen Resort (Marriott Bonvoy)
- W Aspen (Marriott Bonvoy)
- Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas (Marriott Bonvoy)
- The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth (Marriott Bonvoy)
- Le Westin Tremblant (Marriott Bonvoy)
- SpringHill Suites Jackson Hole (Marriott Bonvoy)
- The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection (Marriott Bonvoy)
- Bluegreen Vacations South Mountain, Ascend Resort Collection (Choice Privileges)
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lincoln East — White Mountains (IHG One Rewards)
- Killington Mountain Lodge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Hilton Honors)
- Hilton Niseko Village (Hilton Honors)
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fraser — Winter Park Area (IHG One Rewards)
Related: Our favorite ski-friendly resort hotels you can book on points
Bottom line
With winter in full swing and the season's best snow still ahead, this is your final chance to secure an Ikon Pass before sales end Dec. 11. Buying now also ensures you won't be stuck paying an arm and a leg when the time comes while also unlocking valuable passholder perks like discounts on dining and retail, plus deals for friends and family. If you're looking for more access this winter to top mountains and the flexibility to chase the snow, now’s the time to get your pass before the window closes for good.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.